Advanced additive manufacturing in orthopedics: a comprehensive review of biomaterials, structural design, biological functions and clinical technology applications
Abstract
Large bone defects resulting from trauma, disease, or congenital aberrations present a significant clinical challenge because they often exceed the body's natural healing capacity. While conventional 3D printing has revolutionized orthopedics by providing patient-specific anatomical replicates, these constructs remain inherently static and fail to adapt to the dynamic physiological environment of a healing bone. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the transition toward 4D additive manufacturing in orthopedics, a landmark shift that integrates the dimension of time into tissue regeneration. We evaluate the strategic landscape of stimuli-responsive smart materials such as shape memory polymers (SMPs) and functionalized hydrogels, which execute programmed morphological or functional changes in response to triggers like body heat, pH, and magnetic fields.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
3D Printing in Biomedical Research
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- RSC Advances
- Publisher
- Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
- Volume
- 16
- Issue
- 13
- Pages
- 11668–11685
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN